Drivers are being urged to prepare for serious delays and widespread road closures during the upcoming May Day Bank Holiday weekend.
With warmer weather and a long weekend encouraging people to travel, roads are expected to be at their busiest – and slowest – across the country.
Key routes such as the M25, M5, M6 and A303 are all expected to experience heavy congestion, with some journeys predicted to take up to two hours longer than normal.
The RAC is forecasting more than 20 million leisure trips to take place between Friday and Monday, with Friday afternoon and Bank Holiday Monday (5th May) being peak times for congestion.
Anticipated Congestion Hotspots
M25: Clockwise between Junction 7 (M23) and Junction 21 (M1), delays could exceed 90 minutes on Friday afternoon.
M5: Southbound from Junction 16 (north of Bristol) to Junction 25 (Taunton) – expect over an hour of additional travel time.
M6: Northbound between Junctions 18 (Chester) and 24 (Liverpool), with potential queues of at least 30 minutes.
A303 and A30/A38: Routes towards the South West are likely to experience heavy traffic, especially on Friday and Saturday.
National highway agencies have also released lists of planned roadworks and closures – particularly around VE Day celebrations – which could catch drivers out if they don’t check before setting off.
While some major projects will be paused, others will continue, causing lane restrictions and diversions.
To avoid getting stuck, check National Highways’ live road closure updates.
For specific information about VE Day road closures in London, visit TFL: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/ve-day-events.
For local VE Day road closures, simply search ‘VE Day road closures in my area’ in your favourite search engine.
General Travel Advice
The RAC Route Planner also offers excellent travel advice for all upcoming trips, and it’s always a good idea to check your route on the Waze app or any smart route planner before you set out.
And Don’t Forget the Basics
It’s always sensible to carry out basic vehicle checks before travelling – oil levels, tyre pressure, water, and fuel levels – as breakdowns add further strain to already packed routes.
If you’re staying local or can be flexible, travelling outside peak times (early morning or later evening) could save time and reduce stress.
With the right preparation, you can avoid the worst of the disruption and enjoy a safer, smoother start to your long weekend.
Enjoy your Bank Holiday – wherever you may be (hopefully not in a traffic jam…).
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